I agree about it being dependent upon the staff – if you get Capt Hart, stand by.
At times, you will feel like a lieutenadate, but it is a very different environment. Bring your coffee pot, computer, printer, scanner, camera, and even some booze. When we first showed up everyone was worried about whether or not it was authorized – beer vs. hard stuff, bring it and they will let you know if there is a problem, again it will depend on the staff, just don’t advertise, your not in college anymore.
The best way I can think of to describe the transition is if you can remember the difference between a Sgt inst. Inspection and the Platoon commander inspection. Keep things squared away, but nobody is going to check the inside of your cover for IPs. The lieutenants run things (with the supervision of the staff of course) which is where a lot of the frustrations will come. There won’t be an angry Capt trolling your hallway, just a stressed out 2nd Lt trying to figure out the most efficient way to swab the decks. For the most part things moved along a lot slower, you’ll have time to work yourself into the training.
The transition in respect to the enlisted Marines was the biggest difference. They are not in charge of you, but they are there to support you and to teach you. Don’t expect a salute, but earn it.